Ringo Starr- "Y Not" Album Review

Ringo Starr

Y Not

Rating: *** or *** 1/2

Former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr is back! His new album, Y Not, is Starr’s fifteenth studio album. Y Not is Ringo’s first album since 2008’s Liverpool 8. For this album, Ringo decided to produce the album himself. He and long-time collaborator, Mark Hudson, had a falling out during the recording of Liverpool 8. Ringo also got some of his fans angry when he posted a video on his website in 2008, stating that he would stop giving autographs. It’s no secret: of all the Beatles, Ringo’s solo career was the least successful. That doesn’t stop Ringo has he continues to tour and be the most lovable Beatle. Starr, 69, has still made a nice album. In fact, Y Not features some of Ringo’s great friends including former bandmate Paul McCartney!

Y Not starts off with “Fill in the Blank”. The song’s 1950’s like feel leads the song along with Joe Walsh, who plays guitar on the track. “Peace Dream” is a great song. Paul McCartney can be heard on bass guitar while Ringo sings about peace. Most people are under the impression that it was John Lennon who was for peace. As a whole, all four of the Beatles were for peace and love. In recent years, Ringo’s mantra as been “peace and love” and can be heard saying it in almost everything he does. In fact, Ringo mentions John in the song (“Just like John Lennon said/ In Amsterdam from his bed”). “The Other Side of Liverpool” is a near-autobiographical song and could be seen as a sequel to “Liverpool 8”. “Walk With You” is the single off the album as Paul McCartney sings with Ringo on this one. Believe it or not, this is the first time both Paul and Ringo have sung a song together. McCartney’s presence alone makes this the best song off the album. “Time” is a pretty good song while “Everyone Wins” is actually re-recording of a b-side song from 1992. “Mystery of the Night”, for me, sounds more like a George Harrison song. I say this in the most positive way (and with the most peace and love!). “Can’t Do It Wrong” and the self-titled track are a little out there for me while the album closes fantastically with “Who’s Your Daddy”, which has Ringo singing with Joss Stone.

Overall, Y Not is a pretty good album. In comparison to Liverpool 8, I don’t know which is better. I will say that Y Not is simple and to the point when it comes to length. Also, you got Ringo with Paul on two songs. Y Not can be purchased on CD and on iTunes, along with Ringo’s older albums. If you want to get Ringo’s best, buy the Ringo album from 1973. If you are new to Ringo’s solo material, Photograph: The Very Best of Ringo Starr is a great place to start. Ringo Starr will be on tour this summer starting in late June.